As I recently wrote about, we have been babysitting a family of swallows. If you’ve followed this blog lately, you already know that one was killed by ants, and two were swallowed by a snake. Thankfully one naturally matured to fly from our make-shift nest. The last of the five babies, however, just needed some extra care.

As the days went on, it became obvious of an injury to one of its’ wings…perhaps after it fell the long way from the nest to our front porch? Day after day we watched the parent birds fly in with meals, and then stall in a nearby area flapping their wings and calling to the baby. O ver and over they would repeat this process encouraging the little one to join the flightful paradise.

The baby would call back, jump up to the highest point of the crate and then jump, only to land on the ground unable to achieve the goal. It would stretch its’ wings; first the right one….all the way out, then the left one….only from the elbow to the shoulder. Yes, we knew it was much more this bird needed than we could provide.

Even its’ sibling bird would come back to the crate, snuggling up to the injured bird as if to provide the personal love and attention it might need to fly.

Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center welcomed the baby bird. The owner said it had a broken wrist but would most likely heal. She swiftly wrapped its’ wing with such precision and exactness, we knew it was in good hands.

When we first arrived there, we noticed how busy the facility was. It is spring, and as you can imagine, they were just filled with birds needing help. One look on the worker’s faces said it all.

Secondly, we were asked to make a donation to the center. With so many birds to take care of, and no regular funding other than from the public, I would imagine there is a constant need for financial help. Feeding and caring for what must be hundreds, if not a thousand or so birds has got to take alot of people, food, water, and supplies. We hope to return with a donation, and continue looking for ways to help. If you would like to help, please consider making a donation through their website here.

We were also invited to walk around the facility. There we found some amazing winged creatures that seemed very grateful for the care they were getting.

We think of our feathered friend often, wondering if he’s feeling ok and how his wing is healing. It’s been a great experience for the boys. This is what makes homeschooling fun!